Flensburg starts major waste analysis: Separation under the microscope!

Flensburg starts major waste analysis: Separation under the microscope!

There will soon be a lot of testing in Flensburg and the Schleswig-Flensburg district: From Monday, September 8, 2025, a comprehensive waste analysis will start, which will be carried out by local waste disposal companies. The aim of this measure? A thorough investigation into how waste is separated in private households. Particular attention is paid to the composition of residual and organic waste, waste paper and lightweight packaging. The quality of waste separation is also being closely examined in order to collect valuable data, reports the Borkener Zeitung.

The analysis is carried out on behalf of the Technical Operations Center Flensburg (TBZ) and Waste Management Schleswig-Flensburg GmbH (ASF). The aim is to obtain reliable data on types of waste that are often incorrectly separated. The better the separation works, the higher the chances of increasing recycling rates and using resources more efficiently. At the same time, the basis for future decisions in waste management is also created.

Secret sampling with data protection

The samples are taken anonymously by the Witzenhausen Institute, which is responsible for sorting the waste. Data protection is the top priority. The waste and recyclables are collected using special vehicles so that the privacy of the households is maintained. This study is expected to run until October 2, 2025.

And how does the whole thing fit into the overall view of waste management in Schleswig-Holstein? The answer is provided by the person who has just passed away Waste management plan for municipal waste, the new version of which was approved by the country's cabinet on May 6, 2025. This plan sets out clear goals for waste prevention and recycling, with a clear roadmap: the waste hierarchy, which dictates what has top priority.

The path to a circular economy

The sub-plan is particularly aimed at strengthening waste avoidance, preparation for reuse and recycling. It should not be underestimated that around 350 million tons of waste are generated in Germany every year, which could often be put to better use. Construction and demolition make up around 60 percent of this volume, while municipal waste accounts for just 14 percent. These numbers illustrate how important it is to use our resources more carefully and find environmentally friendly solutions like this Federal Environment Agency emphasized.

In addition, the waste management plan also provides for the necessary waste disposal facilities to ensure the safe disposal of waste. A strategic environmental assessment has already been carried out during this planning, and the results show: No serious impacts on relevant protected assets are to be expected.

With this combination of practical analysis and strategic planning, Flensburg and the surrounding communities can ensure that they proactively address the challenges of waste management. And one thing is certain: there is still a lot of work ahead of us to raise recycling rates to a new level.